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  • © 2017

Anatomy of the Superhero Film

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Offers an innovative methodology for cinematic cultural analysis that intersects with speculative realism and other systems of critical analysis
  • Discusses superhero films that have received critical acclaim as well as superhero films that have so far gone unstudied
  • Provides an up-to-date detail of the make-up of superhero films that will extend beyond the specific cases for future studies in the genre
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xii
  2. An X-Ray into the Endo-Prosthetic Superbody

    • Larrie Dudenhoeffer
    Pages 25-79
  3. An X-Ray into the Exo-Prosthetic Superbody

    • Larrie Dudenhoeffer
    Pages 81-163
  4. An X-Ray into the Epi-Prosthetic Superbody

    • Larrie Dudenhoeffer
    Pages 165-232
  5. An X-Ray into the Ecto-Prosthetic Superbody

    • Larrie Dudenhoeffer
    Pages 233-287
  6. Imaging Results: An Addendum on Superhuman Embodiment

    • Larrie Dudenhoeffer
    Pages 289-300
  7. Back Matter

    Pages 301-319

About this book

This book addresses what a superhero body can do by developing several “x-rays” of the superbody’s sensoria, anatomic structures, internal systems, cellular organizations, and orthotic, chemical, or technological enhancements. In short, these x-rays offer what we might describe as a metamorpho-physiological approach to the superheroes in feature films, theatrical cartoon shorts, and Netflix television series. This approach examines the ways in which the “substance” of superheroes, which includes their masks, costumes, chevrons, weapons, and auras, extends into the diegetic environment of the film, transgressing it, transforming it, and corporealizing it, making it emblematic of the shape, dimensions, contours, and organismic workings of one or more of our major organs, members, orifices, fluids, or cell clusters. Thus the superhero film, as this study claims, works to make us more aware of the mutability, adaptability, modifiability, and virtual capabilities of our own flesh.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Kennesaw, USA

    Larrie Dudenhoeffer

About the author

Larrie Dudenhoeffer teaches film studies, comic studies, and critical theory as an Associate Professor of English at Kennesaw State University, USA. He is author of Embodiment and Horror Cinema (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014).

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Anatomy of the Superhero Film

  • Authors: Larrie Dudenhoeffer

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57922-1

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Literature, Cultural and Media Studies, Literature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-57921-4Published: 24 August 2017

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-86283-5Published: 04 August 2018

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-57922-1Published: 16 August 2017

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XII, 319

  • Number of Illustrations: 3 b/w illustrations, 22 illustrations in colour

  • Topics: Genre, Film Theory, American Cinema and TV, American Culture

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access